This Month's Poll

On November 2, 2013 14 people connected by their commitment to journalism officially held the first general membership meeting of the Southern New England Association of Black Journalists. The National Association of Black Journalists has a long history of supporting Black Journalists and their respective families, friends and above all readers.

The Southern New England Association of Black Journalists (SNEABJ) is a new professional affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), a nearly 4,000 member organization of journalists, student journalists and media-related professionals that advocates for diversity in newsrooms and in news content. The organization is committed to providing quality programs and services for black journalists worldwide. SNEABJ members accrue benefits such as year round professional and personal development opportunities, leadership, mentoring, networking and other career development opportunities.

The focus of the November membership meeting that was hosted at the offices of Rhode Islands PBS Studios was to provide a networking opportunity for potential new members and to introduce the initial organizations EBoard. Chantee Lans, TV Journalist is President of the new chapter, with Cierra Putman, TV Journalist, and Tatia Lopez as Vice Presidents, Peter Wells, Publisher The Providence American newspaper, is Treasurer, with Ann Clanton as Parliamentarian and Reza Clifton as Secretary.

SNEABJ has been extremely active since its inception on October 7, 2013. In February the organization has committed to assist the Boston chapter (BABJ) in the development of a Black History Month Panel discussion to be held at and cosponsored by the Boston Globe. In January, the body will hold its monthly meeting at the headquarters of ESPN in Bristol Connecticut, where beyond the networking and recruitment opportunities for new members from Connecticut the meting will include a tour of the ESPN campus and facilities, which in the world of journalism is quite exciting; and in March, a day of Service is being planned and coordinated with the RI Young Professionals and Habitat for the Humanity.

The organization is looking to expand its membership throughout Rhode Island, southern New England and the State of Connecticut. So for additional information you may contact the EBoard at SNEABJ.weebly.com.